Georgia offers a multitude of pathways for aspiring nurses, with 79 nursing schools across the state providing various levels of education. Prospective students can pursue careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs) by obtaining an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or opt for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Several institutions have earned recognition for their nursing programs. Among them are Emory University, Georgia State University, University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, and Augusta University, all known for their comprehensive curricula and experienced faculty.
The cost of embarking on a nursing career in Georgia varies depending on the chosen path. LPN programs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, while ADN programs can cost between $10,000 and $20,000. Those pursuing a BSN degree should anticipate a higher investment, with tuition fees averaging $20,000 to $40,000.
Despite the array of educational opportunities, Georgia is grappling with a significant nursing shortage, a challenge projected to intensify in the coming years. To combat this, the state is actively investing in initiatives to bolster the nursing workforce, including expanding faculty numbers and increasing clinical training opportunities.
The demand for qualified nurses in Georgia translates into competitive salaries. Currently, Registered Nurses earn a median annual salary of $90,000, while Licensed Practical Nurses earn around $55,090.
For those interested in exploring the diverse landscape of nursing education in Georgia, we encourage you to consult our comprehensive list of nursing schools. This resource provides detailed information on program offerings, admission requirements, and estimated costs, enabling prospective students to make informed decisions about their nursing career paths.
Chattahoochee Technical College (CTC) is a two-year state technical college that is located in Marietta, Georgia. This school is overseen by the Technical College System of Georgia and it offers students a fantastic opportunity to advance their educations. CTC students are able to earn technical certificates, diplomas, and associate’s degrees. There are a large number of different courses available for students to choose from as well. This school serves over 14,000 students and is committed to providing the best possible educational opportunities to all who attend the school. CTC students can expect good resources and a personal experience despite it being a fairly large school in the area.
CTC offers a very advanced nursing program that will allow students to achieve success in the nursing field. There are a couple of different nursing programs to consider. Students will be able to sign up for practical nursing courses to become LPNs or they can pursue an associate’s degree in nursing to become RNs. All nursing courses are designed to be informative and to help nursing students develop advanced skills. All of the latest methods will be gone over and students can expect up-to-date lesson plans along with clinical experience. All students who graduate through this program will be eligible to take the NCLEX examination for licensure.
Southeastern Technical College (STC) is a technical institute located in Vidalia, Georgia. STC offers a great mix of academic programs and business and industry-focused training courses. Students who attend this technical college will be able to pursue their dreams by getting the best education possible. Whether a student is looking for a worthwhile new career to pursue or if he or she is looking to hone his or her skills, STC will have the right path. There are programs such as accounting, business technology, healthcare management, and so much more. All the students who attend STC will be getting a great education and will be provided with the optimal environment where they can learn and grow.
STC has a very sought-after nursing program for students as well. Students will be able to choose from nurse aid courses and practical nursing courses. The STC Practical Nursing program will allow students to earn their spots as professional LPNs. Successful graduates of this program will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. All of the educational tools that prospective nurses need will be readily available and the learning experience will prove to be invaluable. Students will be prepared for their careers as professional LPNs in hospitals, doctor’s offices, schools, and any other locations where an LPN is necessary.
On January 8, 2013, Macon State College was consolidated with Middle Georgia College to become Middle Georgia State College.
Lanier Technical College (LTC) is located in Oakwood, Georgia. It is a public technical college, part of the Technical College System of Georgia. LTC is one of the largest technical colleges in the area and it serves over 26,000 students. The school was originally chartered back in 1964 and it has been providing the community with a great location to pursue academic excellence ever since. LTC is a fully accredited school by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It offers many different individual technical courses that will help students to earn both certificates and degrees.
Practical nursing programs are available for those who wish to become LPNs. Those who wish to become registered nurses will be able to take the associate of science in nursing program at LTC. Both programs are very respected and they produce many fine nurses every single year. The curriculum used at LTC is designed to produce highly trained and efficient nurses who will be able to act with confidence in a professional setting.
Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) is a public institution in the small town of Americus, Georgia. It is one of the most remote campuses out of the 10-campus University System of Georgia. The city of Americus has a population of just 17,000, while GSW has a student population of 3,000. The university was founded in 1906 as an agricultural and mechanical school. Over the years, the number of degree programs offered at the school has increased. These programs are offered through five GSW schools, including the College of Nursing and Health Science, which offers three ways to achieve a BSN.
Georgia Southwestern State University School of Nursing offers several undergraduate nursing programs. Students may choose from BSN, RN to BSN, and accelerated BSN programs. The school also offers an online MSN program that students can complete at home. The traditional BSN program is for students with no nursing licensure. Students have the opportunity to train in various clinical settings in the region, including local clinics, hospitals, and treatment centers. The traditional BSN program is a four-year program, with students completing their prerequisite general studies during their first two years of schooling. These nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE and the Georgia Board of Nursing.
Albany Technical College is located in Albany, Georgia. Students who attend this school will be able to choose from more than forty diplomas, twenty-five degrees, and over seventy technical certificates of credit. This school has a wide array of study areas for students to focus on. Students will be able to take courses such as cosmetology, culinary arts, commercial truck driving, masonry, electrical and computer engineering technology, and much more. This institution offers several career-focused courses that will give students the potential to enter well paying new career fields. There are so many courses available at this school that it will appeal to just about anyone who is looking to advance his or her career opportunities.
Aside from certificate programs, this school also offers academic pursuits that will help students to earn associate’s degrees. The nursing program is one of the more popular options. Students will be able to pursue an associate’s degree in nursing in order to become a registered nurse. The school recognizes that nurses need to be caring, intelligent, and honest. All nursing students who go through this program will feel very well prepared for licensure examinations and professional careers as registered nurses.
Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) is located in Sandersville, Georgia. OFTC is part of the Technical College System of Georgia. It was established back in 2011 in an effort to provide students in the area with a cost-effective technical college to meet their needs. The school serves the community by offering many courses that can help people to walk new career paths. There are many business and industry services programs as well as credit programs of study. Students will be able to take courses such as medical assisting, accounting, electronics technology, pharmacy technology, and much more.
OFTC has a number of different nursing programs that can help students to find well paying new careers. Students can take practical nursing courses, associate’s degree nursing courses, LPN-to-RN bridge courses. This is a very practical and cost-effective school for students who wish to become LPNs or RNs. The curriculum is very effective at helping students to realize their full potential as nurses. All students will be able to gain the necessary skills to find great success as nurses. The success rate of nursing courses at this technical college is quite high as well.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is located in Valdosta, Georgia. This school is capable of awarding technical certificates, associate’s degrees, and diplomas. It is part of the Technical College System of Georgia. This school is also fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It was first established in 2010 and it serves over 6,000 students. The school offers students plenty of choices when it comes to courses. It is renowned for its course variety and overall commitment to excellence. The school even received the first-ever Governor Sonny Perdue Award for Technical College of the Year in 2010.
Wiregrass has a wonderful nursing program that allows students to hone their craft in a safe environment. The school offers practical nursing programs and well as registered nursing programs. Whether a student wishes to become an LPN or an RN, this school will have the right curriculum to meet his or her needs. All courses are designed to prepare students for professional life as nurses while also readying them for NCLEX licensure examinations. This program takes nursing students through theory and practical skill courses as well as providing them with clinical experiences.
West Georgia Technical College is located in Waco, Georgia. This college is a part of the Technical College System of Georgia. WGTC can award students technical certificates, diplomas, and associate’s degrees. There are a number of different programs at this college allowing students to choose courses that will further their education in the right way. Those who are looking for new career opportunities will find the training that they need at this school. There are many academic courses to consider but there are also technical skills courses that will help lead students directly into lucrative new careers.
WGTC offers a great nursing program for its students too. There are three areas of study that fall under the nursing category. Students can choose from the CNA program, the practical nursing program, and the registered nursing program. All nursing students are going to receive the best educational opportunities while learning the newest nursing techniques. Nurses will need to showcase a deep commitment to continuous improvement in order to find success. The instructors will impart the right philosophy and the necessary practical skills in order for nursing students to succeed.
Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a public research university with two main campuses in Marietta and Kennesaw, Georgia. These cities are suburbs of Atlanta, giving students close access to one of the largest metro areas in the South. Kennesaw is an interesting city and one of the only places to have a mandatory firearm law. KSU is one of the largest universities in Georgia, with over 35,000 students. It is also part of the University System of Georgia. KSU offers 52 undergrad degrees and 21 graduate degrees through its 13 colleges, including the WellStar College of Health and Human Services.
WellStar College of Health and Human Services is the largest nursing program in northern Georgia and offers several nursing programs for those who want to become registered nurses. The traditional and accelerated BSN programs give students the chance to work in real healthcare settings, including the Atlanta VA Medical Center, Bethesda Community Clinic, and other local facilities. The accelerated program is only for students who already have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in the United States. Along with BSN programs, the college offers an MSN program for those who want to specialize in the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner field and is designed to be completed in two years.